New Bicycle Campsites Strengthen Montana’s Growing Tourism Economy

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Bullock joined local Whitefish residents and representatives from the Montana Department of Commerce and Montana State Parks to cut the ribbon on a new economic investment at Whitefish Lake State Park. New bicycle touring campsites at State Parks like Whitefish Lake will strengthen Montana’s growing tourism economy.

HELENA – The clients of the Montana Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are by definition “small,” but, with the support of SBDC services, they’re producing big economic impacts across the state.

Lexicon Branding is behind some of the world's most recognizable brand names, from Pentium to Swiffer. At the Market Montana Symposium on Sept. 12, company President David Placek provided a glimpse into the creative process and psychology behind branding while highlighting the importance of using a brand to build anticipation. Following Placek's keynote, Department of Commerce partner Destination Analysts continued the brand discussion by sharing preliminary insights into its Montana Brand research project.

Missoula's own Dr. Liz Carlisle addressed a full crowd at the opening keynote of the Market Montana Symposium, Sept. 12 in Missoula. The author of "Lentil Underground" recounted the book's history of Montana farmers who started an agricultural revolution by turning sustainable farming practices into a successful business - through the power of lentils. Dr. Carlisle is a lecturer in the Food Systems program at the University of California, Berkeley, and in the Thinking Matters program at Stanford University.

HELENA – Stephanie Juneau has joined the Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network as Kalispell Regional Director. The Kalispell Regional SBDC, based out of Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC), serves Lincoln, Flathead and Lake counties.

HELENA – Department of Commerce Director Meg O’Leary today announced the award of a new marketing agency contract for the state’s tourism promotion programs. The contract brings multiple services under a full-service agency to provide comprehensive and integrated marketing solutions.

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Steve Bullock today announced $500,000 in grants to support the production of 11 new film and multimedia projects taking place in Montana, stimulating local economies and providing job opportunities for Montanans.

The Innovate Montana Symposium, July 13–14 in Billings, was the second offering of the Main Street Montana Project Peer-to-Peer Symposium Series and focused on highlighting change and innovation in Montana's small business climate.